Rockies’ Matt Belisle signs contract through 2012

Rockies reliever Matt Belisle has signed an extension that will keep him with the Rockies through 2012.

When Matt Lindstrom received a two-year deal recently, it was fair to wonder if Matt Belisle was next in line. The Rockies followed suit, providing him with a $3.775 million extension for 2012. The right-hander was already under contract for $2.35 million this season, bringing his contract total to $6.125-million.

“I am happy that they think I am integral part of this. I am all smiles today,” Belisle said.

The one-year extension buys out his first free agent year. This marks the sixth time this winter that the Rockies have given an existing, non-free agent player a multi-year contract:

In 2012, the Rockies have committed $19.125 million to Huston Street, Betancourt, Lindstrom and Belisle, a strategic move given the elevated prices for free-agent relievers this past winter.

Belisle was the Rockies’ best reliever last season, emerging as a stabilizing force. He led the bullpen with 92 innings worked, compiling a 2.93 ERA. He serves as a seventh-eighth-inning bridge to Betancourt and Street.

Patrick, a third-generation Colorado native, is back for his second stint covering the Rockies. He first covered the team from 2005-2009, helping chronicle “Rocktober” in 2007 and also following the team’s playoff run in 2009.

Nick Groke has worked at The Denver Post since 1997, as a sports reporter, city reporter, entertainment writer and digital editor and producer, among other newsroom posts. He also writes regularly about boxing, soccer, MMA and NASCAR.